In the aftermath of the Milwaukee Bucks’ surprise playoff loss to the Miami Heat, NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo was asked a question he’d heard before: Was this season a failure? His answer—both thoughtful and spirited—offered a window into his mindset on the nature of success and failure, and it brings a refreshing perspective that resonates far beyond sports. Giannis, who scored 38 points and hauled down 20 rebounds in the loss, didn’t shy away from the sting of the defeat but instead reframed the experience in a way that suggests a nuanced understanding of progress, setbacks, and what it truly means to fail.
Here are three key reflections from Giannis’s powerful response:
Progress might be invisible, but that doesn’t mean it’s not happening
Finally, Giannis’s optimism underscored the dual need for urgency and patience. He pointed out that, while the Bucks hadn’t won a championship for 50 years, those years weren’t “failures.” They were, instead, steps towards something bigger. Success takes time and often happens beneath the surface. Leaders should work with urgency but remember that meaningful progress isn’t always visible right away.
The Takeaway: Is It a Good Question?
Was it a fair question to ask Giannis if the season was a failure? In a way, yes—it’s a question often posed to leaders, athletes, and anyone who stands as a public figure. But perhaps the deeper insight lies in his response. By challenging the assumption behind the question, Giannis offered a message that anyone facing setbacks can take to heart: that failure isn’t the end, but simply a part of the journey toward success.
Is there a difference between losing and failing?
Giannis made a point that not every loss is a failure. In sports, as in business and life, winning isn’t guaranteed. He asked his interviewer if he would consider any year he didn’t get a promotion as a “failure.” This distinction—between falling short of a goal and outright failure—is important for leaders. It’s possible to lose and still make progress, learn valuable lessons, or set yourself up for future success. Losing isn’t the end, but failing to learn from it could be.
Embracing a lack of fear around failure
Giannis’s answer radiated an acceptance of failure as a part of success. He views each season as a stepping stone, each attempt as a way to hone his craft. This approach allows him to move forward without the burden of fear. For leaders, this mindset offers a profound benefit: framing failure as essential to success means bouncing back quicker, with less emotional baggage. When fear of failure isn’t a deterrent, setbacks are easier to navigate.
Questions for Leaders to Reflect on Failure
For leaders looking to reframe failure and embrace its role in long-term success, here are a few guiding questions to consider:
- Is this outcome a true “failure,” or is it part of a longer journey toward a goal?
- What can I learn from this experience that will serve me in the future?
- If this setback didn’t happen, would I be missing an opportunity to grow?
- Am I afraid of failure, or am I more concerned with how failure is perceived by others?
- How can I approach my next steps with urgency in effort, yet patience in outcomes?
Reflecting on these questions can help reframe failure from a mark of defeat to a source of strength and clarity on the path to success.
Andy.
